World Oceans Day

World Oceans Day, the annual celebration honors the grandeur of Earth's oceans and the economic, aesthetic and environmental services they provide.

The Oceans Project has coordinated the organization of World Oceans Day on June 8th for the past 17 years. It is an important environmental issue. We get both food and medicine from the dark green, and it helps keep the climate under control. Oh, there's this thing about water being the "lungs of the earth" - it turns out, most of the oxygen we breathe comes from the ocean. We always feel that the waves have breathed life into us. Still, if we don't take steps to protect it. If we survive it, we'll lose more than a weekend getaway. So get involved and do your part to keep big blue going strong.

History of World Oceans Day

In 1992 in Rio de Janeiro, the Canadian delegation to the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development first proposed the idea of ​​a day honoring the oceans; however, it was not until 1998 that UNESCO's Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission voiced support for an official international celebration. In 2002, two conservation organizations, the World Oceans Network and the Oceans Project, celebrated the day for the first time together with their worldwide network of zoos, aquariums and environmental groups. After a petitioning campaign was led by two organizations, United Nations General Assembly officially had designated World Oceans Day since 2008.

International observance of World Oceans Day includes the release of an annual message by the Secretary-General of the United Nations highlighting the challenges facing oceans and marine ecosystems. Local events vary by region but often include seminars and discussions highlighting ocean-related science topics and management, and ocean-themed children's activities and film festivals, farming and waste collection activities, and the opening of exhibitions with ocean theme in zoos, aquariums, universities, and other institutions.

How to celebrate World Oceans Day

• Make a commitment

Don't know what to do for World Oceans Day? The Ocean Project website will provide you with a range of ideas for celebrations. But if you want someone else to take the reins, it will point you to some festivals in your vicinity. In addition, it offers you an opportunity to make a commit to the planet.

• Clean the beach

Of course, one of the best ways to celebrate our beautiful ocean is to go sightseeing. However, be aware of sustainability. Start your baking? Go to the store for supplies with a reusable tote bag instead of a plastic bag. Partying? Bring your own plates instead of using the plastic ones. After thinking a lot about conservation, it would be a shame to throw it all away - by throwing it all away on the beach. So clean up after your party and hope others will follow your example.

• Take the challenge “We are blue, tell two”

This may come as a shock, but the color to wear on World Oceans Day is blue. Finding the right outfit is not difficult. However, you will have to research two facts about the ocean to tell others. It could be something you learned here or some knowledge from your fellow “We are blue, tell two” challengers. It's probably not the best idea to tell the same truths to the person who taught you, but repetition takes the matter home. Whatever you choose to do, have fun and stay green!

Some reasons for World Oceans Day being important

• Perspective

For many people, the beach brings joy in the sun. While a dip feels great, sometimes we don't think about what water really means to us. It is essential to the biosphere and we want to make sure that future generations enjoy it. Chances are, the creatures that live there will appreciate it too (there are over 1 million of them!). And when you look out into the distance and see ships going where they know where, it's a powerful reminder that we're all connected.

• Motivation

A lot of our waste isn't biodegradable, and the ocean that's left is cleaning up our mess. Disposing of recyclables in the appropriate bin is a good first step, but we must take that habit back home. Even if you don't live near the coast, show your friends and family how recycling puts a big smile on the ocean's face.

• Majesty

We never need an excuse to go to the beach, but we will gladly make one. Sometimes, we just need to pinch ourselves how gorgeous this place can be. The sunset reflected on the water was like something out of a painting. Most importantly, the ocean offers us the perfect opportunity to clear our minds and relax. There are some moments that show for them so we don't have to. It's not like the seagulls squealing will give us a word, anyway.